In times when living and building space is becoming increasingly scarce, people have to become creative again and find new solutions. That's one possibility. The other is to revive solutions that have already proven themselves but have perhaps been somewhat forgotten. And this certainly also applies to the dormer window. This roof structure has been part of buildings for a long time and is now increasingly being used to expand living space. In this article we look at this trend.
Different shapes of dormer windows and general advantages
Dormers come in a variety of formstherefore. Whether pointed or long, wide or narrow - there is a large selection here, with something for everyone. Of course, it is a bit easier to include them in the construction plans of a building from the start. However, they can also be installed later. At least, as long as there are no construction concerns and you get the green light from the building authority.
The big advantage of retrofitting dormers is that they expand the living space in a relatively uncomplicated and quick way. For example, attic apartments can be upgraded quite easily, which of course also increases their value (especially since attic apartments are currently becoming increasingly popular anyway). In addition to expanding the living space, a dormer window also ensures that more light and air can enter the rooms.
There are roughly five categories of dormers: flat dormers, pointed and square dormers, round dormers, trapezoidal dormers and so-called bat dormers. These categories are relatively self-explanatory and do not need to be explained in detail here. Which of these can be used in each case depends largely on the shape and construction of the roof. Of course, personal taste also plays a big role. Here you should simply inform yourself in detail in advance and think about what is important to you. For example, flat roof or trapezoidal dormers offer greater spatial advantages than pointed dormers, which have some restrictions due to the slopes. But of course they also look good. As far as appearance is concerned, it is important to note that dormers significantly change the appearance of a building. If they stand out too much from the look of the surrounding buildings, their installation may be prohibited.
Do you need a building permit?
If it was said above that you have to get a “green light” from the building authority in order to build a dormer window, then this needs to be restricted or made more precise at this point. Mind you, a building permit is not always required for dormer windows. Sometimes a notification procedure can be sufficient. The building regulations of the respective federal state are decisive here. You should therefore inquire in advance with the responsible building authority. Here you will be informed about any requirements, applications to be submitted and building templates. Dormers that are available as prefabricated dormers offer the advantage that construction plans or construction drawings are already available and approval and installation can be carried out quickly and easily.
The costs for a dormer window are comparatively low. A simple flat dormer can be had for around 3,000 euros. More complex models can cost over 5,000 euros.
